The Gallery Food Hall in Santa Monica Comes to Life

The Gallery Food Hall on the Third Street Promenade has been reborn. What was once a mediocre food court next to the famed Criterion Theater, the two-level space is a state-of-the-art marquee food hall. No longer is this a spot you want to pass by. The Gallery Food Hall in Santa Monica is now a worthwhile destination.

A clean, modern space, The Gallery Food Hall is elevating the dining scene on Third Street Promenade with a selection of unique, fast-casual restaurants and a mix of indoor and outdoor dining space.

On the second floor, the Voltaggio Brothers opened STRFSH, a fish sandwich shop. A beach friendly concept, you can build your own sandwich with swordfish, salmon or chicken and top with a variety of seasonings, “smears”, including cajun remoulade, yuzu kosho mayo or dynamite sauce and toppings like kimchi, pickles, pico de gallo, cheddar or pepper jack cheese. Or STRFSH offers a few favorites, with at least two named after the Voltaggio brothers.

Bryan’s – Salmon, Old Bay, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Green Chile Mayo

For the non-fish eaters, there is The Flying Fish, a fried chicken breast with lettuce, pickles and mayonnaise on a toasted sesame bun. You might know this sandwich from InkSack, and if not, you will want to try it!

Be sure to order the french fries, natural cut fries cooked in 100% peanut oil and seasoned with sea salt, to enjoy with a sandwich.

And wash it all down with fresh Kombucha, because after all, this is Los Angeles.

Also on the second floor,next to STRFSH, is Azulé Taqueria serving authentic beach tacos made simply with respect for the ingredients and the process.

The flavors are super fresh and Azulé Taqueria has embraced a sustainable approach with disposable plates and containers for the fresh salsa. The mild salsa is chock full of fresh tomatoes and the roasted tomatillo salsa has just a little kick.

A variety of tacos are offered, from carne asada, pork belly and shrimp, as well as vegetarian options with mushrooms or cauliflower. The corn tortillas are made fresh but if you want a change, you can get the taco in fresh jicama.

The sides include guacamole, queso fundido and elote that is creamy and earthy and absolutely delicious.

For dessert, Azulé Taqueria has fresh, made-to-order churros that can be dipped in rich dark chocolate or dulce de leche. I am partial to the dulce de leche in this case.

Down the escalator to the first floor is Sloan’s Ice Cream.

You will be met by an explosion of bright colors, candy-filled pink walls and chandeliers. Sloan’s is originally from West Palm Beach, Florida and serves ice cream, as well as candy, chocolates, candy apples and whimsical gifts.

A simple ice cream cone is probably the smart thing to order but how can one say no to a whimsical ice cream sundae?

In addition to STRFSH, Azulé Taqueria and Sloan’s, Gallery Food Hall is home to Everytable, where you can get a healthy, on-the-go bowl, Sumo Dog, with Asian inspired hot dogs and burgers, and Dialogue, the 18-seat restaurant by James Beard Award-winning Chef Dave Beran. And there are more places opening soon. The Gallery Food Hall is upping the fast casual game on Third Street Promenade.